Eastern Communication Association

I just went to my first ever Communication Conference. It took place in Boston, Ma and was hosted at the Sonesta Hotel. The reason that I was in attendance was because I was presenting a paper there(this was also a first). It went great. I had such a wonderful time and it inspired me to go again next year!

One of the major influences for me to do this was Gina Bell. She has encouraged me to persuade presenting my papers at conferences, getting my research published and going for a PhD. Although she can only check off one of those things, she has put confidence in me that I can do it. She came to hear me present my paper and was proud. Her feedback was positive. She said, if you teach like that I bet your classroom is awesome. That makes me feel like a rockstar.

Anyways, I had a great time and I hope to continue my research in the future and present it to other scholars! I'm pretty sure I have the research 'bug' now and will most likely do a PhD in my future. I just have to find the right school that fits for me. All I know is that I love to teach and I like to research, so we will see!

Engagement Pictures!

A couple of weeks ago, Chad and I took our "official engagement pictures." My blogger friend (and best friend) Christen Ruff, posted this on her blog, so I thought I needed to do so on mine! This one is one of my favorites!

Needless to say, I am very, very pleased with how these came out. The white lace dress I am wearing is my mom's wedding dress. I didn't tell her that I was using it, so it was a surprise to her. My photographer is Brittany Toomey. For more information on her visit her website at http://brittanytoomeyphotography.com/

Happy Easter!

Hello everyone! I hope you had a great Easter and that you celebrated our Lord's resurrection. Church was amazing; it's especially nice to have my extended family there. In addition to my family, we had the Bridges and the Scaperoth family in attendance with us at church. Afterwards, we all head down to the Thomas household and eat lunch.

This weekend was more than perfect. I came in town on Thursday, got my hair done, ate with the folks and went and saw Nana and Papa. Friday morning, I got to eat breakfast with my friend from out of town and her family then Mom and I went on a walk. Several other things took place I want to focus on my fiancé!
We actually got to go on a couple of dates this weekend. It was nice being able to do this in Knoxville-the place we both went to school.

Saturday was the biggest and busiest day of the entire weekend. My Aunt Peggy and Uncle Bill threw Chad and I an engagement dinner for our immediate family. It was nice and intimate; everyone got to know everyone. After this, we busted to Athens to meet our photographer! We took our "official" engagement pictures! I will post some when I get them; our photographer said that it would be able two weeks, but I think that is a little optimistic. I hope I get them ASAP, but I am trying to not think about it so I am not crazy eager!

Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend and for those of you who are in school-stay strong! The semester is almost over! xoxo

Sandra's Visit!!!

Although I am going home for Easter and I am very eager to see everyone, Sandra came up to see me! I am glad because she helps the time pass more quickly and I don't even realize it! One reason way we are friends is because we don't have to be doing anything at all and we understand each other.

Those are the best types of friends; not the ones where you have to entertain all the time, or the ones you try to impress, but the ones who love you for who you are at anytime. If you eat at Regas, they are your friend. If you eat at McDonalds, they are your friend. They don't necessarily care about who you know or really what you do, they love you because you are a great friend-just a good person. The person that has seen you in your good, and unfortunately in your bad.

I am so blessed that I have her in my life. Since she came up here, we are painting the town! We bought out Eastern Market with Sandra's bargining skillz (yes that is skills with a Z) and got some sweet lemonade. In addition, we have had a Twilight Marathon, watched Hugo and the new Footloose. Finally, we ordered her bridesmaid dress and got her measurements. And possibly, some shopping occurred...
Great times had all around. Thank you Sandra for coming up to see me!